Welding might be the headline skill on a service truck, but it's never the whole story. On this week's Podcast, Beau Wigington climbs into Dave Doherty's service truck to see just how many trades live inside one rolling toolbox. We explore the diverse skills and equipment necessary to operate a welding rig and handle a range of industrial jobs, highlighting the importance of a well-equipped work truck and the role of a field mechanic. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a service rig, this episode is for you!

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Connect with Dave 

Dave “DTB Fabrication” Doherty

Instagram: @dtb_fabrication https://www.instagram.com/dtb_fabrication/

Facebook: Dave Doherty

Connect with Beau

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

 E-mail: [email protected]

In this week's podcast host Beau Wigington explores the career path of a Boilermaker within the welding industry while attending the National Boilermaker Apprenticeship Championships, highlighting the diverse skill set required for this industrial profession. We discuss "what is a boilermaker" and the importance of a "boilermakers apprenticeship" for those interested in "skilled trades." We learned that Boilermakers are a little bit of everything, incorporating elements of rigging, welding, cutting, and fabrication, making it a comprehensive "welding apprenticeship" opportunity for any aspiring "welder."Key Topics Covered:- What a Boilermaker is (rigging, layout, planning, tube rolling, waterwall “Dutchman” repairs) and why welding is only ~10–15% of the trade.- How recruiting for the boilermakers apprenticeship works at the high-school level and why tuition-free training changes families’ trajectories.- The “apply now” process through BNAP, finding your local, and why initiative matters (call, visit, show up).- First-year expectations: heights, tight spaces, heavy machinery, union basics (dues, benefits, dispatch).- Skill progression: Stick plate → positions → MIG/flux-core structure → TIG (freehand & walking the cup).- Work realities: outages, 12-hour shifts, precise repairs, x-ray quality, and packing out.- Career growth: no seniority; apprentices who show up and lead can run work and become foremen fast.- Finding your niche: some chase welding certs; others fall in love with rigging or planning and excel there.Learn More About Joining The BoilermakersBoilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bnap.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcConnect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

At Fabtech, host Beau Wigington sits down with Anthony James aka “Meltin Metal Anthony” for a straight-shooting talk on where new and growing welding businesses burn cash, and what to buy instead. From grinders and torches to hoods, PPE, and shop layout, Anthony shares the gear that survives abuse, the stuff that fails fast, and practical ways to vet products at a trade show. They also dig into laser welding, automation, and how to prep your skills (and team) for the next decade.

Key Topics Discussed

• Tools that pay for themselves vs. tools that fail: why cheap grinders and bargain rods often cost more long-term; when a low-cost flux-core box can still earn its keep.

• Welders & try-before-you-buy: using shows like Fabtech to demo MIG/TIG/stick, and the limits of testing engine drives on the floor.

• Torches that stay true: hard-earned opinions on Victor and older Smith gear; why some newer replacements disappointed.

• PPE that protects (and fits): pitfalls of bargain-bin clothing; the case for US-made textiles and consistent QC.

• Hoods that survive abuse: long-term experience with an auto-dark model (Optrel mentioned) vs. thin shells and short-lived lenses.

• Shop-build mistakes: poor layout planning, forgetting utilities (power, heat, downdraft, 3-phase alternatives), and failing to size for tables, forklifts, and workflow.

• Hiring & weld tests: “mess up the settings” as a practical screen for true competence.

• Laser welding & automation: what’s impressive now, code limitations today, and why technicians who can dial in machines will thrive.

• Mindset for growth: adapt or get left behind—how risk sports, preparation, and owning your quirks translate to business.

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Connect with Anthony James

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meltinmetalmobile/ 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MeltinMetalAnthony 

Website - https://meltinmetal.net/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

In this special 2025 recap episode of the WELD Podcast, host Beau Wigington is joined by Austin Hargett (Dr. Weldz) to look back on one of the biggest years yet for Weld.com.

We break down some of our top performing videos of the year including Testing Viral Welding Hacks, Getting Dross Free Cuts with Plasma, and The Ultimate Guide to Weaving 7018. We also reflect on some of our favorite trips from 2025, from laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre, to visiting BZI in Utah, attending the Yeti Welding Competition, fly fishing out west, and asking Bo Jackson a question at Fabtech.

We wrap things up with Maker Camp, where Dave took home Top Welder, and revisit some of our most memorable social media moments from the year. If you followed WELD in 2025, this episode ties it all together. If you are new, it is the perfect place to start.

Key Topics Discussed

Testing viral welding hacks and what actually works

Plasma cutting tips for dross free cuts

How to properly weave 7018 stick electrodes

Laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre

Visiting BZI and attending the Yeti Welding Competition

Fabtech highlights and meeting Bo Jackson

Maker Camp recap and Top Welder winner

Viral welding social media moments from 2025

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Connect with Austin Hargett

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a

Email - [email protected]

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: [email protected]

Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with

Justin Lafond — applications engineer (ESAB) who calls the role the “Swiss Army knife” of welding support.

Kaeleigh Wilkins — 3M Metalworking Application Engineer who moved from sales into a highly technical role without an engineering degree.

Frank Vargas — national sales leader focused on relationship-driven technical selling in welding distribution.

Cody Vigeant (American Welding Program) — on what makes a great instructor in today’s rapidly changing trade.

Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) — on staying energized as a welding instructor and balancing life, side work, and the classroom.

Key Topics Covered:

Why many high-pay welding careers don’t require holding a stinger every day (inspection, applications, distribution, education).

Applications engineering: field problem-solving, process development, training, and customer saves—plus the reality of travel.

No engineering degree? Mapping hands-on welding experience to technical job descriptions (Kaeleigh’s playbook).

Distributor roles: technical sales and “solution finder” jobs that value people skills and fluent welding lingo.

Teaching welding: avoiding burnout, finding the “small wins,” and staying current with robots/cobots.

Future-proofing: adaptability and cross-process literacy as automation spreads.

Memorable Quotes:

“We’re the Swiss Army knives… expected to do all of it, anywhere, anytime.” — Justin Lafond

“You can’t really learn our job unless you’re out there in the field doing it.” — Justin Lafond

“I’m the only person on the team without an engineering degree… you can still be a fit if your experience matches the need.” — Kaeleigh Wilkins

“The welding trade is moving at the speed of light—instructors have to stay keyed in.” — Cody Vigeant

“The little wins from former students are what keep you going.” — Austin Hargett

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Guest Contacts:

Justin Lafond - Applications Engineering (ESAB)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lafond-5a650b313

Kaeleigh Wilkins - Application Engineering (3M)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaeleigh-wilkins 

Frank Vargas - National Sales Manager (Uniweld)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vargas-0273a173 

Cody Vigeant -  Manager of Education Solutions (American Welding Program)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-v-b4a857145 

Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) - Brand Ambassador / Operations Manager (Weld.com)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a 

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

Email: [email protected]

Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

In this episode, host Beau Wigington visits Justin and Seth Williams of SwimShop 4x4 to unpack how they convert GM G-Series vans into capable four-wheel-drive rigs, and the MIG welding habits that keep those projects rolling.

Key Topics Covered

• Why van conversions? The rock-n-roll roots, “rolling living room” ethos, and first builds that sparked a business.
  

• Unibody reality check: why G-Series vans aren’t body-on-frame, and what that changes in your fab plan.
  

• The jig story: cutting a donor van’s underbody, flipping it, and welding it to a table to build 126+ kits consistently.
  

• Bolt-on vs weld-on: using existing van holes, minimizing welds to two key pieces, and where welding is still essential.
  

• MIG setup in the shop: clean metal, penetration, heat/wire adjustments, and why “don’t zoom in” can still be structurally sound.
  

• Parts sourcing workflow: diffs, transfer cases, running gear—how junkyards and Marketplace make the puzzle come together.
  

• Square-body compatibility: designing around ¾-ton Suburban geometry so catalog parts actually fit.
  

• Learning by doing: confidence, mistakes, and reading the puddle—why pinstripers make quick MIG learners.
  

• Community + momentum: YouTube documentation, events, and how niche builds find their people.
  

• Working with family: keeping shared interests, sharing space, and growing a shop together.
  

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s a rolling living room… you can do wild paint, shag carpet—I had to have a van.”
  

• “We thought they had frames… then we realized it’s a unibody. Whole different animal.”
  

• “We cut the van’s underbody out, flipped it, welded it to a table—that’s our jig.”
  

• “Everything’s bolt-in using factory holes—only two pieces need welding.”
  

• “With MIG: clean metal, good penetration. When it clicked, it clicked.”
  

• “Just because it’s not pretty doesn’t mean it won’t hold—don’t zoom in.”
  

• “Anything that bolts onto a square-body truck fits our kit.”

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc

Connect with The Swim Shop 4x4

• Instagram - @theswimshop4x4 https://www.instagram.com/theswimshop4x4/ 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theswimshop4x4 

• Website - https://www.theswimshop4x4.com/   

Connect With Beau Wigington

- Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

- E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Mark Levin, Nate Bowman, Jason Becker, Adam Stretch, Justin Nixon, and Austin Hargit about welding education that matches today’s work, how accredited testing actually runs, and practical technique myths, so you can pass tests, pick the right training path, and build a career you’re proud of.

Key Topics Covered

• Apprenticeship that pays: Why Welder Underground hires 18–28-year-olds at $15/hr to learn and how “show up on time + bring enthusiasm” beats prerequisites.

• Realities of training: Traditional school vs. modern apprenticeship; teaching through a live 18-ft sculpture build bound for Paris.

• “Teach for the job”: Why MIG dominates entry-level work and how to prepare for it without ditching stick/TIG fundamentals.

• Test day without panic: What hold points are, why skipping one is an automatic fail, and how an ATF routes your test.

• Certificate vs. certification: What actually counts in industry and the paperwork/logistics behind true certs.

• Technique myths with evidence: Push vs. drag (short-circuit vs. spray), polarity (DC+ vs. DC−) explained in plain language.

• Flux-core with shielding gas: Why it can look good yet break brittle—what’s happening in the flux chemistry.

• Inspection mindset: Basing welds on data and repeatability “10 times out of 10,” not opinions.

• Career ladders: From welder to CWI/SCWI, plus where NDT and phased-array UT fit.

• Social media as a help line: Getting accurate guidance vs. filtered hype; how to vet advice.

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc

Guests’ Content & Contact

• Marc Levin

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/b9USCroNxYb 

• Instagram - @welderundergound https://www.instagram.com/welderunderground/ 

• Nate Bowman

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Fm1dGXvNxYb 

• Instagram -  @weldscientist https://www.instagram.com/weldscientist/ 

• Jason Becker

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YZs86gBNxYb 

• ​Instagram: @arcjunkiespodcast https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast/ 

• Adam Streich

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/SjMHDYGNxYb 

• Instagram - @akstreich https://www.instagram.com/akstreich/ 

• Justin Mixon

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VEG22HKNxYb 

• Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/ 

• Austin Hargett

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/UCaeIVQNxYb 

• Instagram - @dr.weldz https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with pipeline, shop, union, rig, and underwater welders about getting started, choosing a path, managing money, and building a reputation that keeps you working.

Key Topics Covered

• Pipeline reality for new grads, why most start as helpers, and how prior plant work translates to the right-of-way
• Shop welding as a launch pad, learning MIG aluminum at night, and stacking TIG reps until it clicks
• Union entry routes, testing in late, and navigating attitudes when you do not start at Year 1
• Rig welder vs single-hand: what the truck changes about pay, expectations, alloys, and accountability
• Underwater work safety, crew size, comms with cranes, tables, and why diver discipline matters
• Money talk without the fluff: per diem, overtime, and avoiding debt on lift kits and rims
• Networking that works: texts, referrals, timing, and demonstrating value before the test
• Parenting and welding paths: why some stick to shops, shipyards, or offshore rotation for balance

Memorable Quotes

• “All you got is your name. Everything you do affects the work you are going to get.” — Joel Welch
• “I burned through pallets of aluminum wire and TIG’d couplings all day until it clicked.” — Keenan Maines
• “People are going to have a problem when you test in late. Prove what you can do and keep it moving.” — Laura King
• “Commercial diving is safe when you respect the procedure. Most problems start with the diver.” — Jordan Moreno
• “The machine does not start until 400 dollars.” — Kenny Stu
• “If I cannot afford to buy two, I cannot afford to buy one.” — Hunter Wilson
• “Overtime and per diem are the math behind ‘welders make money’.” — Liv Taylor Dodge

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc

Guests’ Content & Contact

Joel Welch

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZVKXL0w5eYb

Instagram - @welchwelding https://www.instagram.com/welchwelding/

Keenan Maines

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AZ5msfE5eYb

Instagram - @metalsmasherart https://www.instagram.com/metalsmasherart/

Stan Sherwin

Full EP -https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8OTdMaF5eYb

​Instagram: @ss_custom_welding https://www.instagram.com/ss_custom_welding/

Laura King

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LEpJGFG5eYb

Instagram - @lauraxking https://www.instagram.com/lauraxking/

Jordan Moreno

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OsB9IRM5eYb

Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/

Jonathon Herrera

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZGfRkNN5eYb

Instagram - @jonathon_herrera23 https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_herrera23/

Kenny Stewart

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/yYzZlbS5eYb

Instagram - @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/

Hunter Wilson

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5Y7wLXV5eYb

Instagram - @texaspipeliner35 https://www.instagram.com/texaspipeliner35/

Liv Taylor Dodge

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/xXxAua15eYb

Instagram - @livtaylordodge https://www.instagram.com/livtaylordodge/

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: [email protected]

Host Beau Wigington revisits standout moments from metal artists who turned sparks into careers. You will hear practical safety, process, and career advice from creators who weld sculptures, bikes, tanks, wildlife art, and even giant instruments. 

Key Topics Covered

• Why “failures” are usually redirections and how to use them to grow your craft

• Oxy-acetylene as a lost-but-powerful gateway to understanding metal behavior

• Oxy-fuel safety, from first-time “pops” to tank awareness and best practices

• TIG art workflow, tracing with a laser, clamps vs welding down, and chill plates

• Getting consistent color in stainless TIG art using cup size and gas lenses

• Welding copper for fuel tanks, heat control, filler strategy, and leak risk

• Letting the sculpture “tell you” what to build, and iterating without fear

• Using CAD to plan scrap-metal builds when materials are unpredictable

• Promotion that works for artists, from mags and photos to simple outreach

• Why networking at industry events can unlock commissions and collaborations

• “Failures are not failures, they are redirections. Walk through those chapters, even the bad ones.” — Rae Ripple

• “Oxy-acetylene is a great gateway process. You are one with the metal, watching fusion happen.” — David Madero

• “For TIG art, I clamp to a chill plate. I hate grinding, so I avoid welding pieces down.” — Clint Evashkevich

• “I make my own copper filler from the base metal so the polish hides the seam.” — Jesse James

• “No two-dimensional picture does a sculpture justice. CAD helped me see it from all angles.” — Rich Quinn

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

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  Connect With The Guests

  Rae Ripple

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/S5uuhqQW6Xb 

• Instagram - @raeripple https://www.instagram.com/raeripple 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@rae.ripple

  Website - www.raeripple.com

• 
  

  David Madero

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/RybaimdX6Xb 

• Instagram -  @madero.co ⁠https://www.instagram.com/madero_co/⁠ 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MaderoCo⁠ 

• Linkedin - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/madero-co⁠. 

• Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MaderoCo/⁠ 

• 
  

  Clint Evashkevich

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lIhNTjkX6Xb 

• ​Instagram: @theonyxgrovecompany ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theonyxgrovecompany/⁠ 

• ​YouTube: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany⁠ 

• ​Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany⁠ 

• ​TikTok: @the_onyx_grove_company ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@the_onyx_grove_company⁠ 

• ​Website: ⁠https://www.theonyxgrovecompany.com/⁠ 

• 
  

  Jesse James

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/XrpB0HoX6Xb 

• Website ⁠https://jessejames.com/⁠

• West Coast Choppers ⁠https://westcoastchoppers.com/⁠

• Instagram @popeofwelding ⁠https://www.instagram.com/popeofwelding

• Outlaw TV - https://otlw.tv/ 

• 
  

  Rich Quinn

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4FJ46mxX6Xb 

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/quinn_metal_art/ 

• Scrapfest - https://scrapfest.com/ 

• 
  

  Billy Moulton Day

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/U7cMDZKW6Xb 

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/w.moultonday_sculpture 

• Website - https://www.wmdsculpture.co.uk/
  

• Ivan Iler

• Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/GIOKmTPX6Xb 

• Website - https://www.ivanilerstudios.com/ 

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ivan_iler 

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: [email protected]

Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa